Premier League preview: Chelsea v West Ham

Chelsea will look to continue an unlikely late charge to retain the English Premier League title with a win at home to West Ham on Saturday.

The defending champions looked out of contention after suffering their worst run of form in more than 10 years earlier this season.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who guided the club to a league and cup double last season, may still pay for those poor results and a Champions League quarter-final exit with his job.

But the west London side, second in the table, have a trip to league leaders Manchester United still to come and retain a slim hope of triumphing against all odds.

United are six points clear after drawing 0-0 against Newcastle on Tuesday.

Chelsea must aim to win every remaining match, including the showdown at Old Trafford on May 8, and hope United drop points, if they are to somehow keep the Premier League trophy at Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti’s side won their last fixture 3-1 at home to Birmingham City on Wednesday, with two goals from Florent Malouda and one from Saloman Kalou doing the damage.

West Ham come into the match on the back of three consecutive defeats and without a win in four matches.

They went down 2-1 at home to Aston Villa last time out.

The disappointing sequence of results has left the team second from bottom, two points off safety.

An Achilles problem threatens to rule out key West Ham midfielder Scott Parker for the trip to face his former side.

Hamstring issues mean Brazilian centre-back Alex and his midfield compatriot Ramires are in doubt for Chelsea.

Striker Fernando Torres, still without a goal following his 50-million pound transfer from Liverpool in January, was dropped against Birmingham, but may return to the starting line-up against West Ham.